Adopt-a-ferret is under way

Once close to extinction, the black-footed ferret is
making a comeback this year. Over the past decade, thousands of the
critters have been raised in captivity by a federally funded
breeding program. This year, scientists plan to release around 250
ferrets in five Western states, adding to the estimated 200
captive-bred ferrets already in the wild.

"It's
not going to be easy to reintroduce them," says Bureau of Land
Management biologist Mike Albee. Since ferrets feed on prairie
dogs, he says, recovery of the declining prairie dog population is
critical for ferret survival.

To raise money for
the reintroduction project, the BLM is introducing an
adopt-a-ferret program in Colorado. "Since people are responsible
for the demise of the ferret, it's only right that we do whatever
we can to preserve and recover them," says Albee. Program
supporters will receive general information about black-footed
ferrets, whose numbers hovered at just 18 in 1987. They'll also get
a photo of a specific ferret and reports throughout the year about
that animal's health and progress. "It's a great educational thing
for kids to do," says program coordinator Charlene Bessken.
"They're helping a ferret get back to the wild where they belong."
The cost is $100 for each ferret. Write to Bessken at the Bureau of
Land Management, 455 Emerson St., Craig, CO 81625, or call
970/365-3613.

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